Michigan Bowel Obstruction Malpractice Lawyer

A Michigan bowel obstruction malpractice lawyer at Buckfire Law helps victims of medical negligence. A misdiagnosis of an obstructed bowel is a serious issue. A delay in diagnosis can result in permanent injury and even in death.

If you or someone you care about is injured due to a medical mistake, you need an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer on your side. Since 1969, the Buckfire Law Firm has helped victims of medical errors win top settlements and verdicts.

What is a bowel obstruction?
Types of bowel obstructions
Bowel obstructions signs and symptoms
Bowl obstruction diagnosis and treatment
Can I sue for a bowel obstruction misdiagnosis?

What is a Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction is a blockage of the intestines. It can be a total blockage or a small one. They are often also referred to as intestinal obstructions. The blockage keeps digestive materials from passing through the bowels. An obstructed bowel is a medical emergency and requires prompt medical attention.

A misdiagnosis or late diagnosis causes permanent damage to the intestines. In severe cases, it can cause death. Your body has a small bowel and a large bowel. They digest and absorb both water and nutrients. They also eliminate waste from the body. Both the large and small bowel can be obstructed.

Two Types of Bowel Obstructions

There are two types of bowel obstructions. These are functional bowel obstructions and mechanical bowel obstructions. Both types are serious conditions and must be treated urgently.

A functional bowel obstruction is when normal function stops in the bowel. Causes of this obstruction include illnesses, kidney stones, and even medications. It is considered less serious than a mechanical obstruction, but can still be painful and causes significant harm if untreated

A mechanical bowel obstruction is caused by something that literally blocks the passageway. Causes include tumors, twisting of the colon (volvulus), impacted feces, and post-surgical scars and adhesions. An untreated mechanical obstruction can result in death.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Common signs and symptoms of bowel obstructions include:

Vomiting
Fecal vomiting
Constipation
Excessive gas
Bloating
Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas
Abdominal pain
Swelling of the abdomen
Loss of Appetite

Diagnosis & Treatment of a Bowel Obstruction

Doctors and nurses are trained to make a diagnosis of the condition. The initial suspicion of obstruction is based upon a physical exam, complaints, and medical history. When an intestinal obstruction is suspected, the next step is to order testing. The standard test is a radiology study, like a CT scan. Regular x-rays can be used but provide a less reliable diagnosis.

A bowel obstruction is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. Many obstructions require immediate surgery. The type of surgery depends on the type and location of the obstruction. When possible, the surgeon will perform a surgical resection to remove the obstruction.

Efforts are also made to remove adhesions and scar tissue during the operation. Many patients require the placement of stents to help with the passage of food. Others require a colostomy if significant damage is found.

Can I Sue for Misdiagnosis of a Bowel Obstruction?

When a bowel obstruction is not diagnosed or treated, it can give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Also, a significant delay in taking a patient to surgery provides the basis for a case. The delay in diagnosis and treatment can result in sepsis, bowel ischemia, and even patient death.

To file a malpractice lawsuit, you must prove that a medical error caused a significant injury. Medical negligence occurs when a doctor or nurse fails to act in a reasonable and prudent manner under the circumstances. A misdiagnosis or an unreasonable delay in necessary treatment qualifies as negligence.

In addition, there must be evidence the medical negligence caused harm to the patient. If a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment does not result in injury, there is no case. A medical malpractice lawsuit was filed against a hospital and surgeons for an untreated bowel obstruction.

Bowel Obstruction Medical Malpractice Case Study

A woman and mother of five children went to a small hospital due to severe abdominal pain. A CT was performed that was not definitive. The physician then transferred to a larger hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Upon arrival, she experienced some bowel movements. As a result, emergency surgery was not performed.

Unfortunately, she passed away a day later. The suit alleged that earlier surgery would have prevented her death. The case settled for $2.2 million.

What is the Compensation in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

The amount of compensation in a case depends on a number of factors. First, the degree of medical negligence in treating the patient. Second, the type of injury suffered as a result. And third, the damages suffered by the patient due to the improper diagnosis and treatment.

Recoverable damages allowed under Michigan law for medical malpractice include:

Pain and suffering for physical pain, mental anguish, and psychological injuries.
Disability, or the inability to perform daily activities, hobbies, or other functions.
Loss of enjoyment of life.
Scars and other visual disfigurements.
Loss of income and earnings.
Medical bills and prescription expenses.

For cases involving a patient’s death, the family can sue under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act.

These lawsuits demand settlements for the loss of the loved one, the pain suffered by the decedent prior to death, and economic losses. These losses include loss of earnings, support, and medical bills. The family can also claim payment of funeral and burial expenses.

Contact a Michigan Bowel Obstruction Misdiagnosis Lawyer

To find out if you have a case, contact an experienced bowel obstruction malpractice lawyer at our law firm today.

We will get your medical records, review them, and discuss them with a medical expert. If there is a finding that medical negligence caused a serious injury or death, we will file a lawsuit. We will work hard to get you the possible maximum settlement.

We charge no legal fees unless you win a settlement. And, we pay all of the case costs and expenses.